Latest / Rinkside Rundown / Preparing For The PWHL With Clarkson’s Megan McKay
Transcript
- speaker-0: I better make them look at this and be like, wow, she made it. She did it. She made, you know, her mark on the game. speaker-1: Hello and welcome back to Rinkside Rundown, the podcast that brings you inside the world of women's hockey one story at a time. I'm your host, Chris Sinclair, and today I'm absolutely thrilled to be joined by friend of the show, Megan McKay, a defender from Zionsville, Indiana. Megan, welcome back to the show. How are you doing? speaker-0: Thank you, Chris. I'm super excited to be back. ⁓ I've always loved, you know, chatting with you and it's an exciting time. speaker-1: It absolutely is. And before we talk about this past year at Clarkson, your collegiate career, and of course, this exciting next chapter, I do just want to say that, of course, we're going to be talking about those things. So if you are interested to learn even more about Megan's career journey up to this point, including that she won Driver of the Year. I'm not kidding. I didn't misspeak on that. Make sure to check out episode ninety-six of the show. I will have that linked in the show notes. It's a fantastic episode. You will absolutely love it just as much as we both did, of course. So when we last spoke, you were in the very early stages of your move from Mercyhurst to Clarkson. So I wanted to talk to you about what that. what this last year, what the big takeaways, what the experience was like and the growth that you've went ⁓ gone through over this last season with Clarkson. speaker-0: Certainly, I mean, I think growth is just the word to describe it. That's why I made the move to transfer. It's always been to continue to get better and continue to develop and challenge myself. And that's exactly what I got out of Clarkson. Like every day of practice, I know I got better in the weight room, you know, the coaching staff, all of that combined. ⁓ I went in with the mindset that, you know, I want to grow and develop and I think that's exactly what happened. speaker-1: Four years of college, what does it feel does it feel like you just started? Does it feel like it it's already been four years for you? speaker-0: ⁓ it's hard to put into words because I've loved every single year and it really did fly by. But I am excited, you know, for the next step. I feel you know, there's still a huge ceiling for me to reach and I'm not even close to that. And, you know, I wish I had more time in college hockey, but I'm super excited for the next stage as well. speaker-1: And something that we spoke about the last time ⁓ that you were on the show as well is ⁓ of course being an incredible athlete has always been something that you want to continue improving on, continue getting even better and better, as you mentioned in the weight room, ⁓ on the mental s in the mental side of the the game as well. Another aspect is of course academically. And so I just wanted to find out now that you know the the your collegiate career, I was gonna say is behind you. It is very fresh in the rearview mirror, of course. But ⁓ when you think about the academic side, how you know, how have you found that academics have ultimately played a part in your on ice production, in your on ice game, in the way that you approach, methodically approach the game of hockey as well. speaker-0: I see so many comparisons. It's it's kind of funny to see how, you know, if you're not organized with your schoolwork, if you're not getting assignments in on time, it kinda translates to the ice. It translates to your management in the you know, in the workout room. Are you getting to the rink early? Are you stressed because of school? So I do think it ⁓ plays a huge role and I experience this year a lot more work than I've ever been used to, even though doing a double major. a one year MBA program was a big acceleration for me. And the first four months was a huge adjustment. And I had to make sure that I was performing in the classroom and then also on the ice. And that was like a big load that I didn't really expect. But I was happy to take that challenge because I knew it was all going to be worth it. speaker-1: Yeah. So then it begs the question, you know, when you maybe set out, you know, I think it's it's important to distinguish thinking you could do all of these things is certainly one thing. Having to actually follow through and do all of those things is certainly another thing. But when you're able to accomplish what you've accomplished academically, ⁓ of course, ⁓ balanced out with what you've done, the the the growth and and everything that you've experienced on the ice. What has that taught you about yourself? What is the the fact that you were able to set your mind to something, you were able to do it, and now look at you on the verge of making this next exciting jump? speaker-0: I think I've really learned that, you know, I could handle a lot and I can be passionate about multiple things, whether it's schoolwork, whether it's extra stuff, broadcasting, and I can still excel at the sport I love to excel in. Like I don't see any of it as a distraction because, you know, being busy is great for me. I love, you know, constantly being able to help out people and make an impact in any way possible. ⁓ I don't really have time to sit on the couch and watch T V these days because I feel like I'm always on the move, I'm always doing something. And I love it that way. I love I love the ex excitement in that. speaker-1: Okay. So earlier we we we spoke briefly about the growth and the development that you've gone through, of course, in this ⁓ final season at Clarkson, but over your time with Mercy Hearst and with Clarkson, I wanna actually hear from you about some of those specifics, some of those specific experiences that you had that are gonna maybe live on in your memory about, you know, these are really important moments. Maybe they weren't necessarily it wasn't a big win or maybe a tough loss. But there were big takeaways throughout your collegiate career. Could you talk about some of those we'll call them milestones or some of those specific experiences that stand out to you? speaker-0: Yeah, I I think the one that comes to mind is my freshman year when we were in the championship game against Penn State, ⁓ down at State College in Pek Pagula Ice Arena. And that facility is just it's such a fun atmosphere to be a part of because regardless if they're cheering for you or booing for you, it's just a cool college hockey atmosphere. And, you know, that was my first time going into a college hockey game or it was a one game championship and You could feel the tenseness in the locker room. And I remember just as a freshman, I no one was really speaking up. And I spoke up and I said, Every day we walk in the halls of, you know, Mercyhurst and we see all these past teams that have pretty much etched the program because, you know, that's why I came to Monty was because they were winning championships after championships. They had a proven track record for success. And I said, we walk through the halls every day before we get on the ice to get better. And, you know, we see all those, you know, female athletes who have shaped hockey, college hockey, and inevitably the professional league. Why can't we be a part of that? Like why can't we, you know, make our mark and, you know, wear the crest proudly? And, you know, I think it brought everyone to tears in the locker room because that was a moment for me where I kind of felt like this is my role on this team is to make an impact on the ice and to lead and get people to follow behind me. And that's just kind of the role I've taken throughout my entire college hockey career is get people to hop on the train to be successful and to, you know, wear the team's emblem proudly. speaker-1: So then what did it mean to you to be able to to come to that conclusion so early in your collegiate career? Do you think it made a difference into in terms of how you approach the game, how you approach, of course, everything outside of the game as well, and having that sort of mindset established in you so early in your collegiate career? speaker-0: course. I think it just kinda went to show how passionate I am about the game and how much I wanna win and succeed and you know, it's all about the team eventually. Like you're winning not for individual accolades, you're winning, you know, to get championships as a team. And I think each year I've brought that leadership and that confidence and that kind of separates me as a player is I bring a lot more of that outspoken like w team camaraderie. You know, like I'm gonna sacrifice my body for the team. I'll be a shutdown dude, I'll be offensive, whatever the team needs. Like I kind of am a versatile player that I'll do what's necessar necessary. speaker-1: Okay, so we have a lot of things to talk about when it comes to the office stuff that you're the extra extra extra curricular that you're doing. One of those is it it hits a little bit close to home for me because you are also a fellow podcaster. So I wanted to talk about your podcast, her shift. ⁓ it's fantastic. Great guests. Could you talk a little bit more about why that was something that you wanted to start, why it was important and what that experience has been like for you. speaker-0: Certainly, I think, you know, her shift is a new podcast I created because it kind of emulates my personality. I love talking with people. I love getting people's insight. Like, what are you doing in the weight room? What does your training schedule look like? Everything basically to be a better athlete and a better female. Because, you know, you always want to get the next step. You always want to be the best in any way possible. And so many. different experiences I've gone through on my journey, I feel I've learned so much. And just when I was mentoring younger athletes, I was sharing these stories with them. And I'm like, this could really help more than the six girls I've been talking to. Sweet could help, you know, hundreds, thousands. And just along the way of my journey, I've met so many incredible people that all have such interesting, you know, paths that have gotten them to where they are today. And I really want to share that. and you know, be an inside voice because I am pursuing pro hockey. I am a college hockey player. So I feel, you know, it's a more, you know, in depth look. And ⁓ yeah, it's exciting. I'm I'm looking forward to pr progressing it more. speaker-1: Yeah, it's it's fantastic. So I'll make sure to to link that, of course, ⁓ in the show notes as well. But, you know, being able to connect with people, especially to be able to hear their story, to hear, you know, a little bit more behind the athlete. Do you feel like that's been something that's, you know, you mentioned ⁓ the the the passion you have for talking to people and connecting with people? Do you feel like that's been something that's been super r rewarding for you and maybe it's lended perspective to how you view the game, how passionate you are about the game, when you're having this chance to talk to people who are equally as passionate about the game and and have really fantastic stories. speaker-0: Yeah. I mean those those conversations are you know, they help connect you with more people and then you're like, ⁓ I know this person, I've talked with them about this and it's just it's great. I love relationship building. So many people, there's so many incredible people in women's hockey and hockey in general, and it's such a fun sport and I really just want people to see that and respect that how you know, everyone cares and wants to grow the game in any way possible. speaker-1: Yeah. And when we look at growing the game for you in particular, that means, as I alluded to, a lot of extra, extra curriculars, including being a part of the broadcast team for the men's program. What's that been like for you? What's it been like for you to see the game from behind the microphone? ⁓ and what's that experience been like for you? speaker-0: gives you more of an analytical look at things. I think, you know, during the game, you don't think as much. You kind of just play and rely on your preparation and your practice. But when you're in between the glass, watching the men's game has given me a lot of, wow, I'm saying this out loud. Like what you've heard the term like you teach a man how to fish, like you set him up for life. That's kind of it. Like once I start teaching and talking about it, It's like I'm really it's really emulating deep down what I wanna do on the ice and you know, I I love working with the guys 'cause, you know, I see them every day. We're at the rink every day, we're in the gym every day and it's just talking about your best friends, what they're excelling at as well. speaker-1: Yeah, absolutely. And and continuing down this road of things that you're you know, the impact that you're having away from the game as well. You know, you also took part in ⁓ the P PWHL's takeover tour in their stop in Detroit. ⁓ you helped to lead a clinic with the polar bears. What was that like for you? And and what's it like? I guess, you know, from the outside. It's obvious the PWHL's takeover tour, it's making an an impact in every one of these communities. You know, we're seeing great turnouts, great rec ⁓ great records in terms of attendance, but you actually had sort of an inside look as to the direct impact that these experiences can have on the community itself as well. What was that like for you? speaker-0: Yeah, so I've been working with the NHL Foundation similar to a ambassador role and Rob Wooley and Haley's group but have kinda mentored me because I had met them in Lake Placid when I was at the USA College Festival. And being there, I, you know, made connections. I wasn't just playing on the ice, I was talking to them about figuring out like how people were training and the exact way that this P WHL expansion was gonna look and the Detroit opportunity was awesome because not only did I get to, you know, witness what a potential new ⁓ expansion team would look like and the kind of ends of that and the fan base behind that. But these senior polar bear women have been playing hockey since the seventies, eighties and, you know, they're still competitive. They're still playing in national championships and it gives you a lot of, you know, warmth in your heart that You know, the game really does extend beyond the youth level and the pro level level. It's you know, it's a lifetime game. speaker-1: That's really inspiring stuff, right? ⁓ be true. So be when we when we look at all of these, we're looking at things like broadcasting, we're looking at, you know, your continued mentorship. We're talking we're also talking about business networking, you know, things like connecting ⁓ Cleveland as well, which is something that you took part in. How do those experiences maybe help to shape the kind of professional you also want to be? when you make it to the PWHL because it's more than just, especially now, we're seeing it's not just about being a great hockey player. There are so many other layers to being a pro. What is that, ⁓ what is what what have those experiences helped you to to kind of formulate around how you want to perceive yourself as a professional? speaker-0: Yeah, I look at it like a resume. When you're looking at the draft class this year, everyone looks at stats. And, you know, sometimes you need the right fit for your team. Sometimes you don't just need a leading goal scorer, leading point getter. Sometimes you need someone who's doing the dirty work who, you know, is getting the job done in, you know, maybe not the flashiest of areas. So I think that goes to show with the stuff I do on the eck on the side too. Like When you're picking up Megan McKay in the draft, you're not just picking up, you know, a two A defenseman shut down D. You're also putting, you know, your money in the basket for someone who is gonna bring up your team culture because I'm relationship oriented. I'm gonna do the extra in the weight room, but also off the ice because the little girls out there like me who is in Indiana with no role model, they deserve someone who is gonna give them the time of day and, you know, help them develop in any way possible and You know, these expansion teams are so fun to watch because you see where the hockey markets want to be. Like so many teams want fans. ⁓ and so many, you know, markets want a team to cheer for. speaker-1: Have you found, and maybe this is a silly question, but have you found that the engagement that you've had and the networks that you've built or that you continue to build around the game have also fueled how you want to make it at the next level, how you want to continue to challenge yourself? I mean, you do it anyways, but do you find like it's on another level because you see the impact and you've seen it firsthand as well? speaker-0: For sure. I mean, in the weight room, I'm always someone who wants to hear the extra reps. But when you, you know, when you pull out a camera and you kind of think internally, this is gonna go on the internet because I'm inspiring the next generation. You know, yeah, I'm going stronger in the gym for sure. Like I wanna be the fastest I can be. I wanna reach my potential because it's the it's the girl behind me who is like, I wanna be like Megan McKay. ⁓ when I hometown here on Indianapolis, there were so many little girls asking for my autograph. When I was racing, people were asking for my autograph. And you're thinking to yourself, This doesn't mean anything right now, but I better make it mean something in ten years. I better make them look at this and be like, Wow, she made it, she did it, she made, you know, her mark on the game. speaker-1: Wow. ⁓ what a quote that was. Yeah, my goodness. That was solid. That was right off the cuff too. Wow, that was good. speaker-0: Ha ha. I don't have a teleprompter, I promise. speaker-1: No, that was solid. That was solid. ⁓ okay, so I I I want to leave a bulk of our conversation open to talking about this next chapter. So let's dive into that. Cause I think, of course, that's what this has all led to. With the with the draft on the horizon, it's obviously a huge moment for you. Does it feel like there's a bit of pressure there, or does it more are you finding that it's more like ⁓ Like I'm I'm I'm finally at the you know nearing the finish line. How are you feeling right now? speaker-0: You know, there's a lot of emotions going through it because there is so much unknown. But I've just taken what I can control and that's just, you know, everything happens for a reason. There is a little bit of sigh, like, okay, the stress is over of the you know, your whole college career leading up to this moment. It's like you finally got in there. And, you know, I'm just excited, a little bit nervous, but I think it's it's good emotion. speaker-1: We've talked about how important it is for you to be a really good ⁓ role model for that next generation. Of course, when you look at the PWHL, like it is difficult to ignore ⁓ the the incredible signage that's at every rink from these young girls who are already feeling so inspired, finally being able to see players who look just like them. Do you feel So we've talked about it, but I want to ask it in a bit of a different way. Do you feel a responsibility to take that torch from the women who have built this league, have built to this moment? Do you feel a responsibility to take that torch and to skate with it and to just absolutely elevate the game and and carry it to an even bigger level? speaker-0: That's the name of the game for sure. I think, you know, looking back when I was, you know, growing up, it was always Kendall Croying like skating with her, being up in Chicago. And she said it herself. She didn't cr help create this league to play in it. She helped create it for the next generation. You know, so people have a league a hundred, two hundred years from now. And I'm happy to take that torch. I feel they've carried a big burden on their shoulders with pay equity and you know, proper treatment and I think they they've done a phenomenal job and if we as a you know, an upcoming class and generation can take that torch off their hands and let them finally relax and take a moment to breathe, I think it'll be perfect. speaker-1: Do you like how are you handling the mental side of this? Because I think, you know, as you mentioned, there's a lot of uncertainty, right? Not only are you wondering, am I going to hear my name called? But you're also asking yourself, if I hear my name called, where am I going to play? There's also expansion. What where could those new cities be? So there's tons that's up in the air. How are you handling the mental side? of this because I know that's something that you've been focused on throughout your career as well. speaker-0: mentally I think you really can't think over or overthink ⁓ the process because, you know, the more you think, the more you try and analyze, the deeper you're gonna dig yourself in a hole. So I've tried to focus on just staying in the present, getting better one percent every day. Because regardless of where you get drafted, you know, the goal is always to play. And what can you control about playing? You can control, you know, your physical and your mental preparation, which, you know, for me is just staying confident with, you know, the practice I'm putting in and, you know, trying to really stay clear of that negative space. speaker-1: A phrase that I hear often is be where your feet are. Is that sort of your mentality as you're looking at what this next chapter is? Think the cards will fall how they fall. You know that there will be a future wherever it ends up taking you. Is that sort of a mentality that's also really helpful in this moment? I I I'm asking partly because of course I want to hear, but also I I'm wondering if this is a mentality that maybe a lot of other players, both, you know, present and future. could also take in these big moments that are undoubtedly weighing on you, whether you whether you know it or not, they're of course weighing on you. Is that a mentality that's been really helpful for you? speaker-0: Yeah, and you know, credit to you for saying that because sometimes you do get caught thinking about the future. You do get thought being like, What team what's me? What what where wh where am I gonna and especially now that our season's over, it inevitably that's what you're thinking about. You're thinking about that. And so you really need to like take a second. And that's why I really enjoy being in the waiting room and being on the ice, because it keeps your mind off of You know, the sitting and thinking and wondering. It you know, by focusing on your training, you know, a lot of athletes out there could probably just do that. Like if you're overthinking, just go get better. Go go to the gym and, you know, think about what where your feet are, which is, you know, in the present moment for sure. So I think that's a that's a phenomenal point for sure. speaker-1: And I I wonder too if it's i if that taking that sort of mentality is even more important when there there is of course now we're all of course rooting for you to make it to the PWHL. I know you are as well, of course. That's what this is all about. But there is of course the side of the the the reality that you may not hear your name called. How will how will you handle that moment as well? I think speaker-0: think, you know, hearing your name called is just a such a special moment and, you know, it gives me goosebumps kind of thinking about it 'cause you know that moment it doesn't happen often for a lot of athletes. So just being there in general, I can imagine is very stressful. But hearing your name I feel is just like a weight off your shoulders. But obviously, you know, teams have, you know, their opinions on things. So You know, as heart wrenching as it would be if I didn't get drafted, I don't think it would change my mindset. I think at Feding it would just be, well, regardless of where you get drafted, training camps not till November. So anything can happen. And, you know, I think that's where you put your head down and you can get to work. So you hope for the best. You know, June is coming shortly and all you can do is prepare and just, you know, hope they've seen enough of your game. Because, you know, that's what I've tried to do each year is, you know, show that I'm getting better. I'm I'm working harder each year. And, you know, I, you know, put up almost a half a point a game, four years of college hockey, didn't miss a single game, whether it's the injury or not. I was in the locker room one game and they were like, You can't play and I'm like, No, I'm not missing a single college hockey game because before you know that with the snap of the finger it's over. speaker-1: And that's exactly what I wanted to hear from that answer. That's so that's fantastic. Yes. ⁓ okay. So I also want to talk, you know, when you think there are so many moments, of course, throughout your collegiate career that have prepared you for this moment for embarking on a professional career. But I was wondering from you, you know, I I know that you mentioned ⁓ one earlier, but Could you are there any other moments that you can think of that you feel like have really prepared you to take this next step? Whether it's a mindset, whether it's literally just how you are now preparing for a game, like you changed, you know, pre-game warm up, you changed this, you did that that has really prepared you to go pro. Do you have any of those moments that you can recall? speaker-0: I think this season at Clarkson has prepared me more than I could have known. I've gotten in to experience different systems, which I think has really helped me. You know, we changed our system multiple times to try to, you know, fix, you know, different problems and I feel I can now get that versatility on any team, you know, whatever system they're running, whatever team they're playing against. And I've really taken pride in being the player that the coach asked to shut down their top line. And I did that a lot in Mercy Hurst, you know, playing almost thirty minutes some nights. And I think that's preparing me for the pro level. Not only like are you in shape and you've played against the best players in the world, but even coming to Clarkson, you know, getting top lines assigned to you, that really prepares you. Cause, you know, in the P Dog, you're playing against four lines of top college players. So you have to be able to skate with them and play with them and be physical with them. So I think that this year has really prepared me to, you know, take that rule and run with it. speaker-1: You absolutely will. Now I know that we've talked about staying where your feet are, being present, being in the moment, but I really want to know when you hear your name called, what do you think is going to be the first thing that will run through your head? What do you think is going to be the first thing or maybe the first person that comes to mind when you hear your name called on draft night? speaker-0: I think the first thing without a doubt is it was all worth it. And the reason I say that is because it's been a long process. You know, come where I f came from, being the first player to be from Indiana to get drafted to the PWHL, thinking about the endless hours my parents were driving me up and back and, you know, just to get this dream. You know, going, you know across the country for college and high school and, you know, they never missed a game for me. And hearing my name called would not just be a moment for me, it would most importantly be a moment for them that their little girl finally made it. speaker-1: That's powerful right there. That's powerful. speaker-0: Yeah, I'm a little teary eyed 'cause I'm about to hit the gym. I'm like, ⁓ my god, ⁓ get here. It's not speaker-1: Yeah, exactly. Yeah. ⁓ okay, so we have now arrived at the final buzzer segment of the show. And we're gonna do things a little bit differently with this one because of course you've already been on the show. So I'm not gonna ask you the same questions all over again. So we have a fresh set of questions for the very first time on this show. Congratulations. ⁓ we are going to start with looking back at your time at Mercy Hurst. And at Clarkson, what is one tradition or I'll give you a tradition or a locker room moment that you're you think you're gonna really miss as you look at this next chapter? speaker-0: So hard. speaker-1: Yeah, that's why I said I broadened it to a moment. I intentionally it it was one moment, but let's go with a moment. speaker-0: Yeah, I think The locker room I think I'll miss most is the just the postgame win celebrations. We'll keep it at that. ⁓ you know, that feeling after you win. Any O T winner, game winner like that, you know, those are always special. speaker-1: Okay, this one's projecting a little bit, but I wanna know as well. You've had the opportunity, of course, during your N CAA career to play in a number of different really, really cool arenas. Is there one specific city or arena in the PWHL where you are most looking forward to or dying to play a home game in? speaker-0: Yeah, I think looking at the PWHL, they've played in so many, you know, phenomenal NHL venues. I hope they'd get to the United Center because that's where, you know, that's where that was my rink growing up. That was, you know, watching the Blackhawks era. And, you know, if I could step on that ice knowing that like I was the little girl that was watching, ⁓ you know, that would be pretty special. Getting a, you know, a takeover tour, maybe even a team in Chicago. speaker-1: Absolutely. ⁓ now that you have declared for the draft, I this is something that I'm always really curious to know. What is one thing that you may do to treat yourself or to maybe celebrate the milestone? Maybe it's the milestone of declaring. Maybe it's also the milestone of hearing your name called. What's one way that you're going to celebrate either one of those moments? You can take whichever one you'd like. speaker-0: To celebrate, I think maybe taking a vacation or a day off. speaker-1: Yeah. Well deserved. speaker-0: them often and I I don't take a vacation often where I'm not thinking about trying to prepare myself physically and be in the best shape possible. So I think maybe just one of those, you know, maybe just one day where you're you're you're just, you know, relaxing, 'cause that's hard for me. The word relaxed doesn't come around often. speaker-1: Yeah, you've shown that time and time again. But now's all the more reason why this is the moment to be able to take that. Before that, the the the next chapter of your career. I I wanna end with this question. And it's that, you know, now that you have you've had an incredible junior career, an incredible collegiate career, now that you've had all of those moments, ⁓ they're all behind you now. You're ready to embark on this next chapter. What would you tell your younger self about that journey to this moment, to being on the verge of hearing your name called in the PWHL? speaker-0: No, I'd probably just say have fun because I'm sure that little girl is stressing thinking, I can't play in the NHL, I can't do this, I can't, you know, there's only one Olympic team type of thing and just just have fun because everything's gonna work out. There's an opportunity for you. Like you can finally see it and believe that you can achieve it. speaker-1: That's perfect. All right. And that wraps that nailed it again. Once again, she nails it. ⁓ that wraps up the final buzzer segment of the show and today's episode. Megan, it was a pleasure being able to speak with you before on episode 96. It's been an even bigger pleasure to have the opportunity now to speak with you ahead of this exciting next chapter. It is an honor to have been able to call you a friend of the show. speaker-0: Yeah. speaker-1: I cannot wait to continue cheering you on in your inevitably successful professional career. Thank you so much for taking the time to join the show and good luck on draft night. You better believe I am rooting for you. speaker-0: Thank you so much, Chris. You're you know, it means a lot what you're doing for the game. speaker-1: I appreciate that. And if you enjoyed this episode, be sure to like, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your fellow hockey fans. Your support helps me to continue bringing you stories just like Megan's from around the world of women's hockey. I'm Chris Sinclair. Thank you so much for tuning in, and I'll catch you next time on Ringside Rundown.